ATI RN
Proctored ATI Mental Health Questions
Question 1 of 5
The impulse control spectrum can begin in childhood and continue on into adulthood, often morphing into criminal behaviors. Working with patients diagnosed with these disorders, the best examples of expressed emotion by the nursing staff are:
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Low to prevent emotional reactions. When working with patients with impulse control disorders, it is crucial for nursing staff to maintain low expressed emotion levels to prevent triggering emotional reactions in the patients. High emotional expression can exacerbate the patients' symptoms and lead to escalated behaviors. Matching the patient's emotions (B) can also be risky as it may inadvertently validate or reinforce maladaptive behaviors. Being flat (C) without any emotional output can be perceived as cold and uncaring, hindering the therapeutic relationship. High expression (D) may overwhelm the patient and hinder therapeutic progress. Therefore, maintaining low emotional reactions is the most effective approach to support patients with impulse control disorders.
Question 2 of 5
The nurse is preparing to assess a client with a paranoid personality trait. The nurse integrates knowledge of this condition, anticipating that the client's affect and behavior will most likely be which of the following?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: Angry and hostile. Individuals with paranoid personality traits often exhibit suspiciousness, mistrust, and a tendency to interpret others' actions as hostile or malevolent. This can lead to feelings of anger and hostility towards others. This affect and behavior align with the characteristics commonly seen in individuals with paranoid personality traits. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because paranoid individuals are not typically flirtatious, seductive, fearful, anxious, friendly, or open in their interactions due to their underlying suspicious and mistrustful nature.
Question 3 of 5
A nurse is assessing a client brought to the hospital psychiatric emergency services by a law enforcement officer. The client has disorganized, incoherent speech with loose associations and religious content. You should recognize the signs and symptoms as being consistent with which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Schizophrenia. The client's symptoms of disorganized, incoherent speech with loose associations and religious content are classic features of schizophrenia, specifically the positive symptoms. Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder characterized by disturbances in thinking, emotions, and behavior. It typically presents in late adolescence or early adulthood. On the other hand, the other choices are incorrect because Alzheimer's disease primarily affects memory and cognitive function, substance intoxication would manifest with different symptoms depending on the substance, and depression typically presents with persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities.
Question 4 of 5
A group of nursing students are reviewing information related to drug therapy for mood disorders. The students demonstrate understanding of the information when they identify which agent as the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Lithium. Lithium is considered the gold standard for treating bipolar disorder due to its proven efficacy in reducing manic episodes and preventing relapse. It has been used for decades and has a well-established track record. Additionally, lithium has a unique mechanism of action in stabilizing mood by modulating neurotransmitters. Carbamazepine, valproate, and lamotrigine are also used in treating bipolar disorder, but they are not considered the gold standard like lithium. Carbamazepine and valproate are typically used as alternative options or in combination with other medications, while lamotrigine is often used for bipolar depression rather than mania.
Question 5 of 5
A nurse is working with a child for which an out-of-home placement has occurred. Which of the following would the nurse anticipate as the child's initial response?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: Protest. When a child experiences an out-of-home placement, they typically respond with protest initially, displaying anger, resistance, and a sense of loss. This is a common reaction as the child may feel abandoned or confused. Despair (A) is usually a later response after protest. Withdrawal (B) involves isolating oneself, which is not an immediate response to out-of-home placement. Detachment (D) is a form of emotional disengagement, which is also not typically the initial response in this situation.